Cheers!!!
It has been nearly 25 years since I was last at Lanseria. My base was
at Rand at Germiston where I flew helicopters for Astra, and fixed wing
for Avex Air across the street.
I believe it was about 1974-5 that so much of the general aviation
moved to Lanseria.
I have no idea of the cost of genav a/c now in SA but many have bought
their own who could afford it. As you will be aware (I hope), density
altitude there can be the deciding factor as to which aircraft you
should get if you carry more than yourself and one.
In my opinion, the simulators are fine for additional training in that
you can do the mental gymnastics required for IFR which is a tremendous
help to knock off the rusty spots. Don't worry about the rudder aspect
in that sense. But as others have mentioned. if you can find someone
with a taildragger to practice in, your feet will quickly get educated
and the experience is invaluable in flying the actual aircraft no
matter what size it is.
I smiled at your mention of the jackal....I have a jackal kaross that I
picked up many years ago. While crop dusting in Moz in the early 70's
for Avex Air with the company called TextAvex, I remember one time
having to make a pass on a remote strip, fire my machinegun out the
storm window to chase off the herd of impala so I could land to put in
the emergency fuel. I suspect few reading this will either believe or
understand what that means.
In any event, if you happen to see Mike Van Ginkle or Nick Turvey (if
they are still alive) at Avex Air please pass on my regards.
Fly safe and have fun in a beautiful country.
Ol Shy & Bashful